Portman Welcomes Step by Malaysia to Open Market to U.S. Beef and Beef Products

03/07/2006

WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman applauded today’s
step by Malaysia to reopen its market to U.S. boneless beef and beef products
from animals under 30 months of age.

"We welcome this news from the Malaysian government," said Ambassador
Portman. "This is a good first step toward resuming normal U.S. beef trade with
Malaysia. This step also underscores the ability of our governments to work
together to resolve important issues.

"We now urge the Malaysian government to fully restore U.S. beef exports by
further expansion of product coverage and exporter eligibility so that
additional types of quality U.S. beef can be enjoyed by Malaysian consumers,"
Portman added.

Background

The initial agreement will allow U.S. plants currently approved by Malaysia
to resume exports of boneless beef from cattle less than 30 months of age. The
United States and Malaysia are currently finalizing the import documentation
statements and details so that trade can begin.

Malaysia has prohibited imports of U.S. beef and beef products since December
2003, following the detection of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in a cow
of Canadian origin in Washington State. In 2003, before the ban took effect, the
United States exported $1.9 million worth of beef and beef products to Malaysia,
the majority of which, $1.2 million, was boneless beef.